It's cold outside! 10 ways to stay warm, and stay safe, during this arctic blast
Let's face it. It's cold.
Scratch that — bitterly cold.
An arctic air mass has caused temperatures across the Midwest to plummet.
Wednesday will be sunny with a high of 18 degrees, but the wind is making it feel as if the outside temperature is anywhere between five below zero and 10 below zero, which can cause frostbite to exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, the National Weather Service said.
With below-freezing temperatures expected to stick around until next week, the National Weather Service is recommending you don an extra layer (or two) and try to limit time outdoors.
Monday is expected to be warmer with a balmy 35 degrees.
Until then, here's 10 ways to keep warm during this cold snap and others that may follow:
Heat your home safely
The CDC says that if you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater to heat your home, be very careful. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and remember these safety tips:
• Turning on the stove for heat is not safe. Have at least one of the following heat sources in case the power goes out: extra blankets, sleeping bags and warm winter coats; a fireplace that's up to code with plenty of dry firewood; portable space heaters or kerosene heaters.
• If using space heaters, make sure to use ones that have automatic shut-off switches and keep them at least three feet away from flammable materials, like curtains or blankets. Never cover your space heater, which should be plugged directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine
Do not drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages — they cause your body to lose heat faster. Instead, drink warm, sweet beverages or broth to help keep yourself warm. If you have any dietary restrictions, ask your doctor.
Eat well-balanced meals
Eating well-balanced meals will help you stay warmer, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Eat warm food
Porridge, soups and stews are perfect winter food that stick to your ribs. Not actually, but you get the point.
Move around
Walking around the house, doing push-ups or jumping jacks can do a world of good. As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve circulation and stay warmer.
Install a door sweep
Drafts can easily seep in through cracks and the bottom edge of a door. Door sweeps can prevent this from happening. Or, a rolled-up towel or blanket can act as a temporary sealant.
Rearrange furniture
Your arrangement of the coach and chairs might be doing more harm than good. Placing furniture in front or near heat vents or radiators can block heat from getting in and circulating.
Let the sun shine in
During the day, open your curtains and let in as much sunlight as possible. Alternatively, close the curtains at night, which will help trap heat inside your home. Window plastic is also a good investment, especially for old windows.
Keep a water supply
Extreme cold can cause water pipes in your home to freeze and sometimes rupture or break. When you are expecting very cold or freezing temperatures:
• Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously.
• Keep the temperature inside your home warm.
• Allow heated air to reach pipes. For example, open cabinet doors beneath the kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Layer clothing if you go outdoors
If you need to pop outside to get groceries or a bite to eat, layer up.
Wear fabrics like wool, silk and polypropylene. They won't absorb moisture and will hold more body heat than cotton. Coats that have natural fibers, like wool or goose down, are also a good idea.
Also be sure to wear a hat, scarf or knit mask, gloves and water-resistant coat and boots.
Monroe Trombly covers breaking and trending news.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 10 ways to keep warm as arctic mass rolls through Columbus, Ohio
